THE #500 million redevelopment of New Street Station took another step forward today as rail chiefs handed in their first formal planning application.

THE #500 million redevelopment of New Street Station took another step forward today as rail chiefs handed in their first formal planning application.

If given the go ahead rail chiefs claim the New Street Gateway scheme will increase the station's passenger capacity by 150 per cent at peak times.

Network Rail has submitted an outline planning application asking Birmingham City Council to back the transformation of the dark and dingy train station.

The application includes details of all the major changes such as the concourse three times bigger than at present, new escalators and lifts, an indoor pedestrian street linking the north and south areas of the station and a new public square at the front.

A key feature is a new atrium roof, constructed from the same material used on the Eden Project, which will flood the concourse with natural light.

Coun Mike Whitby, leader of the City Council and the chairman of the Gateway Steering Committee, said: "Those who have any doubts about the ambition of this city only need to look at the plans that we are proposing.

"They will create a world-class gateway, driving regeneration, creating new jobs and wealth for the people of the region."

Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart, another key backer of the scheme, said: "It is important we move swiftly. A world class New Street Station is what passengers in Birmingham and the West Midlands need as soon as possible."

If the application passes then building work is expected to begin in 2008 and completed by 2011.

The company hopes to attract #200 million of private sector investment by including shops, offices and apartments, creating about 3,000 jobs.